The Chicago Bears don’t have a playoff berth at stake once they play the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field. The Bears (7-9) formally had been eradicated in Week 17.
But there’s lots to maintain the Bears motivated within the season finale — and never simply enjoying spoiler to the Packers playoff hopes.
When time runs out Sunday, the Bears will likely be on the clock to make main choices in an important offseason.
Here’s a take a look at the choices forward.
General supervisor Ryan Poles
Not all of Poles’ strikes since becoming a member of the Bears in January 2022 have labored out, however the best way he has gone about constructing the roster is trying higher and higher.
His commerce of the 2023 No. 1 draft choose to the Carolina Panthers final offseason netted him not solely the No. 1 draft choose this yr, but in addition high extensive receiver DJ Moore, promising rookies in proper deal with Darnell Wright and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and a 2025 second-round choose.
His acquisition of defensive finish Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders and subsequent four-year, $98 million contract extension has lifted your complete protection to a brand new stage. And there have been loads of different strikes which have appeared good this season, together with the 2023 free-agent signings of linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, guard Nate Davis and defensive deal with Andrew Billings.
Given that the roster has proven marked enchancment in additional than doubling its win complete from 2022 and contemplating Poles’ working relationship with President Kevin Warren, his place with the Bears would appear to be secure, however official affirmation probably will come subsequent week.
Coach Matt Eberflus
In early October, questions arose about whether or not the Bears even would let Eberflus end out the season. The Bears began 0-4, the fourth loss that includes a crushing 21-point comeback by the Denver Broncos.
In the center of all of it, defensive coordinator Alan Williams resigned amid unusual circumstances which sources instructed the Tribune was conduct-related. The Bears had an abrupt breakup with extensive receiver Chase Claypool, whom they traded to the Miami Dolphins. And Eberflus’ dealing with of all of it left one thing to be desired.
That tough begin hasn’t been forgotten, however the vibe round Halas Hall is significantly completely different in Week 18, with the Bears successful 4 of their final 5 video games and 5 of their final seven. The turnaround has largely been fueled by a protection that has come into its personal with Eberflus calling the performs and the addition of Sweat.
Will these elements play into Eberflus returning?
Quarterback Justin Fields
The dialog round Fields’ future has been ongoing, largely as a result of the Bears have been eyeing the No. 1 choose by way of the now 2-14 Panthers for months.
The Bears should determine whether or not they consider Fields is the quarterback who can cause them to the Super Bowl or in the event that they wish to guess on a quarterback prospect with the highest choose as an alternative.
Fields was simply constructing momentum along with his recreation earlier than he dislocated his proper thumb Oct. 15 towards the Minnesota Vikings and the Bears began former Division II star Tyson Bagent for 4 weeks. Since Fields has returned, he has made clear progress, constructing as much as certainly one of his greatest performances of the season towards the Atlanta Falcons on Dec. 31.
How do the Bears’ consider Fields’ season — and his future?
The No. 1 draft choose
While the choice about what to do with the No. 1 choose is hard, it’s additionally an enviable place to be in.
The Bears can have their choose of quarterbacks within the draft — together with USC’s Caleb Williams and North Carolina’s Drake Maye — or they will persist with Fields and commerce the highest choose for a haul much like or higher than what they obtained for the No. 1 choose final yr.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com